Principal Ecologist

Lloydbore Ltd; Canterbury; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Lloydbore Ltd in Kent seeks a Principal Ecologist to lead a busy ecology team. This senior role combines technical delivery, project leadership and client mentoring to drive high-quality consultancy through planning processes.

You will oversee surveys, assessments, and reports such as Preliminary Ecological Appraisals and Ecological Impact Assessments, while developing mitigation strategies and supporting business development across the South East.

Qualifications

• Degree in ecology or related field is essential.
• Substantial UK ecological consultancy experience at Senior/Principal level.
• Strong knowledge of UK wildlife legislation and planning policy.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and deliver ecological projects from enquiry to completion.
• Design and oversee ecological surveys including UKHab and protected species surveys.
• Prepare, review and QA technical reports such as PEAs, EIA, Habitats Regulations Assessments and Biodiversity Net Gain.
• Provide clear ecological advice to clients, planning teams and stakeholders.
• Develop mitigation and monitoring strategies that are practical and compliant.
• Mentor junior and senior ecologists and contribute to team development.
• Manage project programmes, budgets, resourcing and risks with safe delivery.
• Contribute to business development and client relationships.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of legislation and policy.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Client liaison

Mentoring

Technical ecologist

Education

Degree in ecology

Tools

UKHab

Habitat assessments

Job description

Salary: £47k+ (negotiable)
Contract: Permanent, full time
Location: Kent / Willing to travel

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Principal Ecologist to join our growing ecology team. This is a senior technical and project leadership role, ideal for an ecologist who enjoys delivering high-quality consultancy work, supporting clients through the planning process, and mentoring colleagues to develop their skills and confidence.

The successful candidate will lead a varied portfolio of projects across sectors such as residential, commercial, infrastructure, utilities, land management and habitat creation. You will provide robust ecological advice, oversee surveys and assessments, review technical outputs, and help shape positive outcomes for biodiversity across Kent and the wider South East.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and deliver ecological projects from initial enquiry and tender through to completion.
• Design and oversee ecological surveys, including UKHab, protected species surveys and habitat condition assessments.
• Prepare, review and provide quality assurance for technical reports, including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Ecological Impact Assessments, Habitats Regulations Assessments, Biodiversity Net Gain assessments and protected species licence applications.
• Provide clear, commercially aware ecological advice to clients, planning teams, local authorities and project stakeholders.
• Develop mitigation, compensation, enhancement and monitoring strategies that are practical, proportionate and legally compliant.
• Mentor and support junior and senior ecologists, contributing to team development, training and technical standards.
• Manage project programmes, budgets, resourcing and risks, ensuring work is delivered safely, efficiently and to a high standard.
• Contribute to business development, tender submissions and long-term client relationships.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of UK wildlife legislation, planning policy, Biodiversity Net Gain requirements and best practice guidance.

About You

You will be a confident ecological consultant with strong technical judgement, excellent communication skills and a collaborative approach. You will be comfortable leading projects, advising clients and supporting colleagues while maintaining high standards of ecological practice.

Essential Requirements

• A degree or equivalent qualification in ecology, environmental science, biology or a related discipline.
• Substantial experience in UK ecological consultancy, ideally at Senior Ecologist, Principal Ecologist or equivalent level.
• Strong knowledge of UK wildlife legislation, planning policy and ecological survey guidance.
• Experience managing ecological projects, budgets and client relationships.
• Ability to author and technically review ecological reports and planning-related deliverables.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain ecological matters clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to sites across Kent and the South East.